Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Surf Coast (S). Monthly dwelling approvals respond faster than Census measures to market conditions, interest rates, and planning cycles.

This view uses monthly ABS Building Approvals data through January 2026. The rolling 12-month total smooths volatility to show the underlying trend rather than one-off monthly swings.

Key insight

In January 2026, 23 residential dwellings were approved in Surf Coast (S). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 198.

View

198

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

132

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

725

Peak year

2018-19

Chart view

Monthly dwelling approvals

Monthly approvals split between houses and other dwellings, with a rolling 12-month total overlay.

Data table

Monthly approvals table

Download the underlying approvals time series shown in the current view.

PeriodHousesOtherTotalRolling 12m
2026-0123023198
2025-1215520184
2025-1120323175
2025-1016016169
2025-0913013171
2025-0823225179
2025-0712012178
2025-0613013182
2025-0519019186
2025-04909188
2025-039211191
2025-0214014203
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.